Driftless Region Bicycle CoalitionBicyclists working for bicyclists!2015-02-18T19:10:47Zhttp://driftlessbicycle.org/?feed=atomWordPressMichael Bakerhttp://driftlessbicycle.org/?p=25232015-02-18T19:10:47Z2015-02-17T18:05:03ZBig changes are proposed for transportation in the La Crosse region this year, with high stakes for everyone, including cyclists and pedestrians. There’s a limited window of opportunity for the public to be involved in the complicated plans; here is a bare-bones summary of many different issues with a few specific links, dates and events. But things are changing so fast that this list will probably be outdated by the time it hits the web, so be ready to sprint to stay informed.

After decades of complicated history, including a referendum in 1998 and a spirited discussion before the La Crosse Area Planning Commission in 2014, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation has announced a new study of what was once known as the north/south corridor. This project is described in state law as covering USH 53 extending approximately 6.2 miles between I 90 and USH 14/61 near 7th Street, but recent public statements from the DOT have broadened the area to include WI-16 and WI-35 along with USH 53. In La Crosse itself, those highways are better known as Copeland, Rose, George, 3rd, 4th and La Crosse streets as well as West Avenue and Lang Drive.

Now under the name Coulee Region Transportation Study, the DOT is conducting a year-long process to come up with a plan for a major highway construction project, listed in state law for decades (though still without dedicated funding set aside for its estimated $140 million price tag). While state statute seems to require this type of project to either build new road or add new lanes to existing roads, the DOT has indicated that many different options are still possible; at this point in early 2015, no one knows what the recommended option will be – a new highway? New lanes on existing highways? New technology or improved roads? No new construction?

In the planning world, one year is an incredibly short time, and indeed this is an accelerated process that is entirely new to the region: it’s an innovation known as Planning and Environmental Linkages, or PEL, an attempt to speed up existing National Environmental Policy Act requirements for environmental studies that has only been applied once before in Wisconsin. While observers don’t know a great deal about this new process, we can see that public involvement in the early stages is incredibly important to the eventual outcome. The study’s Citizen’s Advisory Groups have already been formed. If they’ve not been invited to those positions, DRBC members can sign up for announcements of upcoming public meetings to get their viewpoints included in the DOT planning process.

No matter what option is planned, it will still have to go through environmental permitting and the state budgeting process, in a time of great budget uncertainty. This means that the possible eventualities range from nothing at all to the largest construction project in the region. With this huge variety of outcomes, there is of course a chance of great impact on cyclists and pedestrians – will increasing traffic volume, speed, or lane numbers on north/south roads include bicycle traffic options, on-street lanes or off-street paths? What about transit? Will changing north/south roads alter the ability of cyclists and pedestrians to move east/west in La Crosse? What will be the impact future land use patterns for neighborhoods, suburbs and surrounding communities?

1. La Crosse City Transportation Vision

In an attempt to contribute to the state DOT’s planning process over the rest of the year, the city of La Crosse is organizing its own Transportation Vision process. The first public meeting is Monday, February 23rd at 7PM at the Myrick Center, with additional meetings with key stakeholders and open office hours over the rest of the week and a closing presentation Thursday, February 26th at 7PM. (Complete schedule). Consultant Toole Design Group, a firm with nationally-recognized expertise in complete streets design and bike-ped planning, will use these meetings as a basis for a document summarizing a city Transportation Vision, which the DOT has indicated that they will include in their own planning.

2. Mayor’s Neighborhood Conference

With all of these transportation issues going on, it makes sense that the La Crosse Mayor’s Neighborhood Conference would pick transportation as its theme for this year. Come to the Myrick Center April 11, 8AM – 1PM to hear invited keynote speaker Chuck Marohn of the nonprofit Strong Towns, reports from neighborhood associations, tables and information from representatives from groups and companies involved in transportation, and short presentations on a variety of transportation topics in the region.

3. Wisconsin

Of course, all of this is happening with a background of a rapidly-changing state budget. In particular, the proposed Senate Bill 21 would repeal Wisconsin’s Complete Streets law. As the Wisconsin Bike Fed puts it, The law requires that bicyclists and pedestrians be taken into account whenever a road is built or reconstructed with state or federal funds. In addition, SB 21 would eliminate all state support for the Transportation Alternatives Program (cutting about $2 million from state bike programs and construction projects), and essentially eliminate the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund, which funds state trail purchases.

There are obvious implications for state-controlled road building here in the La Crosse region, which has recently jumped into a leading position in complete streets planning. The County and City of La Crosse and the City of Onalaska all have passed their own complete streets ordinances in the last several years, with the DRBC’s support. Along with a 2011 La Crosse Area Planning Commission resolution, the city and county ordinances were recently named in The Best Complete Streets Policies of 2014 by the non-profit Smart Growth America. Respectively, they were ranked 4th, 6th, and 25th in their categories from the more than 700 policies examined nationwide. While no one knows what might happen in practice if the state eliminates its own complete streets requirements, in principle it certainly looks like a step backward for sustainable transportation options in the La Crosse region if SB 21 is passed with the repeal intact.

For all of these issues, the best way to stay involved is to stay informed; I encourage DRBC members to follow the issues that motivate them and attend the city Transportation Vision meetings, February 23-26, as a key opportunity to contribute to the future of getting around in the La Crosse region.

— James Longhurst is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, studying the history of urban and environmental policy. He is the author of Bike Battles: A History of Sharing the American Road, out this spring from the University of Washington Press.

]]>0Michael Bakerhttp://driftlessbicycle.org/?p=25162015-01-07T01:14:17Z2015-01-07T01:14:17ZAs a new year is upon us, many make resolutions to change what they feel needs to be. The DRBC is ever changing and adapting to the needs of its members and riders in our region. We have been discussing modernizing the website with emphasis on mobile devices. Please keep checking back as we rebuild.

The DRBC would like to start by thanking you for your past support. Everyone who rides knows getting more people on bikes more often makes better riding. With your help, we intend to continue that mission.

A couple of ways you can help us is what you have done in the past, giving time helping at events and monetary support. The other is free of both. Follow us via the website, email or Facebook. We need to know you are there! Please send us your name or like us on Facebook so we can add you to our roster of cyclists who want a better bicycling environment here in the Coulee Region.

Here is what DRBC has been doing for the bicycling community this last year from October 2012 to October 2013:

Presently we are working on artistic style bike racks for the arts district in La Crosse, expanding bicycle recycle programs and creating events year round to help you ride, even in the winter.

The coming years in the bicycle community are looking pretty exciting. All around the US and the world people are looking back at the humble bicycle as a viable form of transporting themselves and cargo. Cities are seeing how the infrastructure for bicycles is a fraction of what it costs to accommodate an automobile and how cyclists tend to support more local business. People are starting to realize that their car is taking a very large chunk of their income. I personally like having an extra $9100 (AAA national average cost of ownership) in my pocket every year. Just having an extra $200 a month from not buying gas is pretty nice.

Riding bicycles helps save you money, makes you healthy, connects you with your community and put a smile on your face. We believe in ‘More People on Bikes More Often’.

It started with my wife’s desire for a new couch, ours was getting pretty, well, not pretty. It was about 10 years old and it was time. She picked one out this winter and we ended up making room in a corner to store the old one. My friend was having a garage sale across town recently, time to get it out of the house.

I designed a heavy trailer for towing behind the Xtracycle, tested it with something lighter, then, planned the big haul.

The couch was an 8’ overstuffed with kickout recliners on both ends. It wasn’t light. Not as heavy as a sleeper, but close.

I strapped the two hundred plus pound couch to the trailer and got rolling. At that weight, I had to use the granny ring in 3rd and 4th cogs on the flat road.

It was a pretty good slog (sorry, the word slog is the best descriptor I can think of). The sale was 7 miles away.

Made it with no problems, even felt I could encourage the sale by offering to deliver it.

It did sell, I did haul it, though twice as far as I had written on the tag (4 more miles slogged). The buyer was a bit surprised.

Would I do it again? Yup. Maybe not over 5 miles though. I crawled up a few short hills with that thought we all have when we are doing something kinda crazy, but made it.

In an earlier article, I described having broken my left clavicle. Having a deep desire to ride, I’m on a trike with one arm in a sling.

This is the classic Schwinn single-speed delta style trike, borrowed from a friend of mine. It has a rear drum brake on the drive axle and front cantilevers. The gearing is low. 80 RPM spinning gives about 8 MPH. That is all there is to this machine, just a simple three wheeler.

It needed a good test ride, so I gave it a quick going over with lubrication and adjustments, then loaded with bike gear.

The ride. To the state trail, then through several towns on the trail and back.

The first few miles had me thinking the title of this article. I am a seasoned rider and was wondering what I had taken on. Hulk Hogan would have quite a time pedaling one of these this far.

I found the ride to be pretty jostling compared to the standard bicycle. The rear wheels would hit a bump or hole and the whole bike would launch me from side to side. I am tall so with the seat all the way up, it really amplified the effect.

Riding on the bike trails of Wisconsin (limestone), one wheel in the track and two wheels in the grass or middle. Bumpy ride. Riding the streets was better.

During the ride I did some calculations in my head which equaled to many hours of pedaling and the chant in my head of ‘what have I done?!?’.

Once I found a rhythm though, it wasn’t a bad ride and ended up being very familiar to riding any other bike, just slower.

I even found myself out racing a storm.

You may have done this. If not, keep riding and you will. You’re looking behind you at the approaching ‘wall of rain’, looking ahead saying to yourself, ‘where is this place? It must be right up here.’

Looking back and forth, wall of rain, street address, wall of rain, heart pumping, thoughts of getting absolutely drenched, wall of rain, cranking on the pedals…

Now think of doing that on Grandma’s Trike, one handed…

I did make it by about 30 seconds and it really downpoured.

I also went swimming with it (PLEASE don’t do that to a bike. I did a complete overhaul the next day, water was in everything, even the sealed bearings). The trail was flooded and being tired with no desire for the two mile detour, I swam it.

We’ve had a lot of rain and the marsh trail was under water. The water went almost to the top of the 26” tires for about 30 feet. Again, Grandma’s Trike got through, seaweed was lodged and hanging all over it. It made for a fun picture, but a lot of work during the overhaul.

The trip totaled 44 miles starting at 10:30AM. Got home at 6:30PM (4 stops for beer and a lunch).

Sitting bolt upright on a stable platform feels being a passenger along for the ride, like cargo in the basket. The handling is best at slow speeds, a bit more squirrelly when going faster. Sit, pedal, go. A tough go to go far on, not something for long trips, unless you just are not in any kind of hurry. The defining word is: slow.

Conclusion, the single-speed delta trike is a worthy machine. Not really cool or fast, but well maintained, it will keep you rolling, haul lots of stuff and get you there with a bit less stress.

No matter what you think of the Grandma Trike, it’s better than walking…

I watched this video showing someone being moved, from one residence to another…only using bicycles. Think about that. Hauling all your stuff from your house, across town, to another house. Seemed impossible, even watching the video. I still had a hard time believing it worked. They hauled boxes and beds and couches and tables and lazyboy chairs. Everything by bike.

There were a couple big trailers for beds and couches, but otherwise just standard cargo bikes and kid trailers.

I found several other videos from many cities in the US and Canada, same concept.

The most interesting thing, almost no one on a bicycle knew the person they were moving.

A call goes out to the local cyclists (many who did know each other) and they show up. One person commented on how you have to get to these events early to get the big stuff. She was hoping to get the couch!

The standard cost…Lunch and beverages.

On one move, the owner said it only took only 3 turns to move her. She said it normally would take her all weekend to move herself by car.

]]>0Michael Bakerhttp://driftlessbicycle.org/?p=24562014-06-11T17:02:54Z2014-06-11T17:02:54ZI recently spent the weekend in Des Moines, IA. I took my mother for a marble convention/show and decided to look into the local bike scene.

I found a well organized group (DMBC) which had put together a community bike shop (very professional looking) with store front, bike stands ect. They were closed when I had time to ride over but I did look in the window and was very impressed with the setup. Carl Voss told me they started in 2008 at a different location, moved to the new location last year and now have 13 workbenches.

They also ran a bike valet during the Saturday Farmers Market (Awesome market!) which runs 26 weeks through the summer. In a corner of a parking garage right on the street the market was on were a couple volunteers (Jacob and Dan) handing claim tickets and parking bikes. I got a chance to chat with Dan for a bit and enjoyed a great bike conversation. They set a record a few weeks ago, 411 bikes, which proves Des Moines is a great place to ride.

Jacob hooked me up with his dad to point me to great places in the downtown area for my evening exploration. Jenifer also gave me several great suggestions for eating and was planning to catch up with us. I checked most of them out and found the downtown to be a fun place to hangout.

The favorite is el Bait Shop. This is the place for the beer connoisseur. If you can’t find a beer you like here, you don’t like beer. Beer News recognized them as most beers on tap at 130+. They have a bike parking lot to die for with 100+ spots and a bike repair station, lots of outdoor patio seating and are supposed to have good food (I regrettably wasn’t hungry having been subjected to the equivalent of Chuck E Cheese).

The city has lots of bicycle infrastructure. Lanes, paths and bridges (one really impressive one!). Riding around was easy, even with one of my wings in a sling. The people were nice and I didn’t feel worried at all cruising around at midnight. The city seems to be working toward a walkable, ridable downtown area.

The downtown on Saturday night was alive with music and many beer gardens. It was a lot of fun.

Sunday morning I found my way to Mullets. Right on the river and bike trails. Yelp said best bloody mary. Ah no… It was a mix and just above standard having rim spice and the ability to add Tabasco from the at the table trays. They do have a selection of good beer on tap, nice atmosphere with upper and lower patio decks and lots of bike parking. The food smelled pretty good (I had to wait having to go somewhere else for brunch).

I would like to thank everyone at DMBC for showing me their city. They are very proud of the cycling culture they are cultivating (sorry, couldn’t resist the Iowa corn joke) and I look forward to my next visit.

]]>0Michael Bakerhttp://driftlessbicycle.org/?p=24472014-06-10T21:32:00Z2014-06-10T21:32:00ZI have broken my collarbone, also know as the clavicle. I apparently am lucky to have broken my left side (I’m mostly right handed). In less than a week I found a dozen healed clavicles. Pretty common injury.

So, what is this article about? Big deal you broke a bone, taking some time off work and must be bored and am subjecting the readers of the web to boring musings. Not my intention.

Thought I would bring back some of the memories of pain from past injuries.

Remember that first moment when you realized what just happened. The ‘aw crap’ moment. Mine was a bit foggy, but still the same numbing pain we all get. If you were lucky enough to be surrounded by friends, the amazing selflessness they displayed in helping you. Then the pain really hit! Ow! ow! ow! ow! Moving to find the comfortable position, sometimes realizing there wasn’t one. The first aid comes next, mopping up blood, bandages and if you were lucky a nice shot of something strong. If it was really bad (and broken), getting hauled to the ER. Next you are telling everyone it’s not so bad (especially if it was your own fault). Next family has you and you begin the recovery process. Long moments of trying to get comfortable, flinching at pain stabs, working out how to do normal things while missing the vital part of your anatomy that usually helps get the job done.

Nice trip so far? I know I am glad its over for some of my, now healed, past injuries.

Next comes the missing of normal activities, adding in some that are more sedentary. Reading, TV and staring at the wall. Eating way too much out of boredom.

I am not a fan of the screen (TV). Staring at the screen anymore is depressing. I found a cure to help recovery. Friends. The next day after the injury, I gathered with my friends at a planned outing. I was on pain meds and hurting, but chatting with them and being around them was much better medicine. I immediately made a plan to keep my social calendar going.

With all the extra time, I also needed something else, thus more writing. I have returned to riding bike (one handed), though not recommended by lots of not medical people but ok with my doc. I have less pain riding than sitting still. Riding gets me to my social calendar. Gets me out of the house and away from the fridge. Still lots of time, but, there are other things to do.

For instance, I found a contest the downtown was having where you walked around to many of the local businesses and got a stamp on a card. It took me a couple of days to do and I won a gift certificate. Fun.

My best friend works from home, so can work whenever. We are doing more things during the day.

Getting involved in my passion for biking is wonderful.

Ok, sorry, too much me.

Essentially, my non medical, medical advice is, get out, move, spend time with friends or doing something you like. Sitting around makes the clock go slow as well as the healing. I have had a couple major back surgeries, first thing the neurosurgeons wanted me to do is go for a walk. Move. I live with no back pain because I keep moving.

Moral of the story is, movement is life. Don’t stop, keep fighting, keep moving. Life is better in motion.